Wheeling names Clancy as new head coach

John Clancy didn't have to wait long for an opportunity to become a boys basketball head coach.

Clancy, a Daily Herald All-Area guard at Buffalo Grove in 2003, was named as Wheeling's new coach Friday. He replaces Lou Wool, who resigned last month after 10 seasons.

"I think he's beyond his age in his knowledge of basketball," said Wheeling assistant principal for student activities Steve May. "He's been around basketball his whole life.

"He clearly knows what it takes to be successful in the Mid-Suburban League because he was as a player."

Clancy played at Concordia University in River Forest after a three-year varsity career where he led BG to an MSL East title as a senior. He was a varsity assistant at Wheeling this past season and also has been an assistant at Elk Grove and St. Viator.

"In his mind he's been looking forward to doing this all of his life," May said. "I think the opportunity came a little quicker than he thought but he's ready. He's ready to go, he's got some great ideas and he's very passionate about basketball."

Wheeling was 4-23 this season and 0-10 in the MSL East but has a solid core of experienced players returning. Wool led the program to its first MSL East title in 32 years in 2004.

"Lou did a great job of getting people a positive perception of the program in the community," May said of the community service work Wool's players regularly performed. "John is of the same vein. He's going to want the same for the program and it will be a good transition for the kids."